Alguersuari swaps motor for mic

Jaime Alguersuari may not have a drive in F1 for the coming season, but will continue to be a familiar face in the paddock after inking a deal to join the BBC's radio coverage.

The Spaniard was a casualty of Scuderia Toro Rosso's decision to start afresh in 2012, joining Sebastien Buemi in being ushered through the exit door as Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne were being welcomed at the entrance. While Buemi was subsequently rehired as test and reserve driver for the two Red Bull sponsored teams, Alguersuari found himself on the outside looking in, claiiming that he had turned down another F1 seat in the belief that he was being retained by STR.

Despite being linked to possible reserve roles at both McLaren and Mercedes, the former British F3 champion remained out of work until being picked up by the BBC, whioch will continue to broadcast live coverage of all 20 races in 2012, even though the company's television contract has been halved by F1's deal with Sky Sports.

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Official confirmation of the deal is expected later today [Tuesday], but Britain's Daily Telegraph reveals that one of the F1 fraternity's more eloquent members will be joining James Allen - himself returning to an F1 broadcast role in the UK after time on the sidelines - to front coverage of all sessions over a race weekend. Anthony Davidson previously filled the seat alongside David Croft, but both were seduced by offers from Sky, along with Martin Brundle, Ted Kravitz and Natalie Pinkham.

Being in the paddock will also keep Alguersuari within easy reach of any racing opportunities that may be presented in the top flight.